Arakvar

Kzrik is a fantastic place to set up a stall, and to trade. It has a host of deep caves in which goods can be stored, good shelter from the weather amongst the rocks, and the most effective and terrifying security force ever assigned to defend a market. It seems that the monstrous Arakvar, who keep their nests far above in the cliffs, are quite content for peaceful visitors to come and go, but those who approach with hostile intent are likely to be simply eaten by the creatures. So perfect is Kzrik, that past generations of traders even built small stone houses amidst the chasms, or erected walls at the front of caves to make enclosed spaces, and a newly-arriving trader can often find free lodging in one of these old buildings.<br><br>The only thing which traders should note, however, is that the Arakvar expect a gift in return for allowing them to stay. They may not speak, they may not have administrators or record keepers in the usual sense, but from their nests up above, they watch all that happens; if a trader makes a sale here, he is expected to leave some of his gold at the exit to the chasms. A trader who leaves insufficient gold will find his exit blocked by a group of these huge creatures. Do not bother to argue, for they will not respond; rather, pay the gold they expect, and be pleased that your hosts, although terrifying, are so little trouble.

Xcrix is a vast network of interlinked caves and chasms. Nobody knows how far the tunnels descend. It is home to the Arakvar, and any who seek shelter in the caves do so on their sufferance. For a trader, this is a fine base: although the quiet clattering sounds of huge, carnivorous spider-creatures in the darkness can be unsettling, still, the caves are dry, with ample storage space, and the Arakvar keep them free of thieves, bandits and similar pests.<br><br>With a little experience, a visitor will learn how far he is permitted to venture, as the Arakvar are quite consistent in their views on where a visitor might or might not wander. If you are in any doubt, however, successive generations of visitors have developed a simple test; get a dog or goat, and have it wander into a cave that you wish to enter; if the Arakvar eat the animal, then they will just as surely eat you if you follow - if the animal is left alive, you will be too.